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Shoppers can choose from a variety of metals for their fine jewelry depending on their preferences for appearance, characteristics, and price point. Gold is traditionally the most popular choice, and has remained so in modern times primarily because it comes in both yellow and white. But there are other choices, and it is worthwhile reviewing current trends and pricing so that you can make the best choice for your fine jewelry.
Although yellow gold was once THE metal for fine jewelry, white gold has been a staple of diamond jewelry for the past several decades. But fashion trends have an impact on metal choices and there has been a recent resurgence of yellow gold in the market in the last few years.
While white gold is a wonderful choice for diamonds, it has some drawbacks. First, it does not have the old-world richness that is inherent in the appearance of yellow gold. On one hand it actually resembles silver, which is a far cheaper metal. Secondly, white gold contains a mix of metals designed to mask the yellow color of the gold component, but it does not do so fully. White gold alloys are generally “off-white” in color and require rhodium plating to give the metal a bright white luster.
Rhodium plating does give white gold a wonderful look that is particularly beneficial to diamond jewelry, especially with colorless or near-colorless diamonds. The alloys used also give it excellent hardness which reduces the tendency of gold to deform, such as rings going out-of-round due to gripping things in daily life. The rhodium “shell” also gives white gold a bit more scratch resistance.
The Price of Platinum has Changed the Equation
Shoppers preferring the appearance of white gold also usually consider platinum. Until recently platinum has been considered the premium precious metal, and many shoppers have opted for white gold to get the look of platinum at a more budget-friendly price. But boy things have changed! The current spot price of gold has all but eliminated the price premium long associated with platinum.
And from a value standpoint, it’s hard to argue that platinum is not the way to go if you want the look of white metal for your fine jewelry. Used in almost pure form (90-95% pure) the inherent whiteness of platinum needs no rhodium plating and can be polished to a mirror finish. Platinum is extremely durable, though not as hard as white gold alloys. It is considered a “sticky” metal in that it does not flake or wear away.
Fashion, Features and Funds
The decision of which precious metal is right for you and your fine jewelry project centers around three basic things. As mentioned, there has been a resurgence in the popularity of yellow gold in the last few years after decades of dominance by white gold. Fashion trends both follow and lead changes in consumer preferences. It’s sometimes hard to tell which is cause and which is effect, but there is definitely a trend towards yellow gold in the market today.
The particular features or characteristics of the metal also contribute to preference and trend. As a naturally white metal that does not require plating platinum has a leg up over white gold. Platinum is also a more durable metal; highly malleable and capable of being repolished with minimal loss of material. Platinum prongs do not get thin and brittle over time as gold alloys tend to do. And platinum is a denser, heavier material than gold alloys giving it a richer “feel”. Of course, this may be a negative in certain earring styles which may be more comfortable to wear in a lighter weight gold alloy.
And budget considerations always play a big part in decision making. With the high price of gold today and the relatively low price of platinum, the economic difference has been turned on its head. Platinum items may still cost as much or more than the same item in a gold alloy due to the fact that platinum weighs more and is used in almost pure form. But the premium for platinum over gold alloys has been largely erased due to the run-up in the spot price of gold.
What are your preferences in precious metals and what factors influence your decision?
Although yellow gold was once THE metal for fine jewelry, white gold has been a staple of diamond jewelry for the past several decades. But fashion trends have an impact on metal choices and there has been a recent resurgence of yellow gold in the market in the last few years.
The simplicity and richness of yellow gold has always made it popular. It doesn’t need plating and it has that traditional look that conveys opulence. It is available in a variety of purities that provide for affordability and durability that can meet both lifestyle and budgetary requirements.While white gold is a wonderful choice for diamonds, it has some drawbacks. First, it does not have the old-world richness that is inherent in the appearance of yellow gold. On one hand it actually resembles silver, which is a far cheaper metal. Secondly, white gold contains a mix of metals designed to mask the yellow color of the gold component, but it does not do so fully. White gold alloys are generally “off-white” in color and require rhodium plating to give the metal a bright white luster.
Rhodium plating does give white gold a wonderful look that is particularly beneficial to diamond jewelry, especially with colorless or near-colorless diamonds. The alloys used also give it excellent hardness which reduces the tendency of gold to deform, such as rings going out-of-round due to gripping things in daily life. The rhodium “shell” also gives white gold a bit more scratch resistance.
The Price of Platinum has Changed the Equation
Shoppers preferring the appearance of white gold also usually consider platinum. Until recently platinum has been considered the premium precious metal, and many shoppers have opted for white gold to get the look of platinum at a more budget-friendly price. But boy things have changed! The current spot price of gold has all but eliminated the price premium long associated with platinum.
And from a value standpoint, it’s hard to argue that platinum is not the way to go if you want the look of white metal for your fine jewelry. Used in almost pure form (90-95% pure) the inherent whiteness of platinum needs no rhodium plating and can be polished to a mirror finish. Platinum is extremely durable, though not as hard as white gold alloys. It is considered a “sticky” metal in that it does not flake or wear away.
Fashion, Features and Funds
The decision of which precious metal is right for you and your fine jewelry project centers around three basic things. As mentioned, there has been a resurgence in the popularity of yellow gold in the last few years after decades of dominance by white gold. Fashion trends both follow and lead changes in consumer preferences. It’s sometimes hard to tell which is cause and which is effect, but there is definitely a trend towards yellow gold in the market today.
The particular features or characteristics of the metal also contribute to preference and trend. As a naturally white metal that does not require plating platinum has a leg up over white gold. Platinum is also a more durable metal; highly malleable and capable of being repolished with minimal loss of material. Platinum prongs do not get thin and brittle over time as gold alloys tend to do. And platinum is a denser, heavier material than gold alloys giving it a richer “feel”. Of course, this may be a negative in certain earring styles which may be more comfortable to wear in a lighter weight gold alloy.
And budget considerations always play a big part in decision making. With the high price of gold today and the relatively low price of platinum, the economic difference has been turned on its head. Platinum items may still cost as much or more than the same item in a gold alloy due to the fact that platinum weighs more and is used in almost pure form. But the premium for platinum over gold alloys has been largely erased due to the run-up in the spot price of gold.
What are your preferences in precious metals and what factors influence your decision?
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